Michelle – Brighter Magazine

Michelle // Ovarian Cancer

Age: 43 years old

From: New Smyrna Beach, FL

What treatments did you undergo during your journey? Chemotherapy and surgery.

What were your signs/symptoms leading up to your diagnosis? Back pain, lower abdominal & pelvic pain, heartburn, indigestion, and extreme fatigue.

How did cancer alter your lifestyle? It definitely took a toll on my mental health. It made me question so many things.

What kept/keeps you going? My family and my daughter especially. My 1st goal after hearing I had cancer was to get to her high school graduation.

What makes your story unique or helpful to others? I am BRCA1 positive like my mother. I had completed preventative surgery to reduce my breast cancer risk (my mother had breast cancer twice and colon cancer) and was monitoring my ovaries … but unfortunately ended up with Ovarian Cancer.

Any advice for those coming behind you? Be an advocate for yourself!!! Listen to your body and don’t hesitate.

Do you have a funny cancer story? When I lost all my hair, I mean every bit of it… my daughter tried to help me with fake lashes and eyebrows. That was a total disaster and never tried it again but we had a great laugh.

Favorite quote, scripture or song? Isaiah Chapter 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Product or service that changed your life? Pilates. After I completed treatment and was in remission for about a year, I started Pilates and it has changed my life and is helping me regain my strength!

How did you hear about Brighter? How has it made a difference? Social media and it’s been so uplifting and inspiring.

Michelle // Ovarian Cancer

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